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Not currently on display at the V&A

Snuff Rasp

1680-1720 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Although tobacco was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, the way in which it was used differed greatly from modern habits. A fine tobacco powder known as snuff was inhaled from the back of the hand or the fingertips. Dried tobacco leaves were generally sold in tightly bound bundles, and, although commercially produced snuff was available, many snuffers preferred to make their own. Snuff rasps like this one were developed to be conveniently carried in a pocket so that a portion of snuff could be prepared at any time by grinding a bundle of tobacco leaves on the metal grater or rasp. Many snuff rasps incorporate a snuff-box to hold any excess produced, although this example does not.

Snuff-taking was an expensive habit and could only be afforded by the well-to-do, with the result that snuff-related objects, like rasps and boxes, are often made from precious materials such as ivory, and beautifully decorated with carving or inlay. On this boxwood example, the animal mask at one end forms an aperture for the snuff.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved boxwood
Brief description
Carved boxwood snuff rasp with metal grater, French, 1680-1720
Physical description
Carved boxwood snuff rasp with metal grater. The convex back is decorated with acanthus leaves, terminating at one end in a woman's bust and at the other in an animal mask with open mouth.
Dimensions
  • Length: 5.75in
  • Width: 1.85in
Dimensions taken from green catalogue, not checked on object
Credit line
Given by J. H. Fitzhenry
Summary
Although tobacco was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, the way in which it was used differed greatly from modern habits. A fine tobacco powder known as snuff was inhaled from the back of the hand or the fingertips. Dried tobacco leaves were generally sold in tightly bound bundles, and, although commercially produced snuff was available, many snuffers preferred to make their own. Snuff rasps like this one were developed to be conveniently carried in a pocket so that a portion of snuff could be prepared at any time by grinding a bundle of tobacco leaves on the metal grater or rasp. Many snuff rasps incorporate a snuff-box to hold any excess produced, although this example does not.

Snuff-taking was an expensive habit and could only be afforded by the well-to-do, with the result that snuff-related objects, like rasps and boxes, are often made from precious materials such as ivory, and beautifully decorated with carving or inlay. On this boxwood example, the animal mask at one end forms an aperture for the snuff.
Collection
Accession number
1419-1902

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Record createdJune 7, 2007
Record URL
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